High-Density Universal Access Module System

Palm-sized 48-port module supports two full T1 lines.

by Wayne Kawamoto [August 23, 2000]

Mapletree Networks announced its MTN1048, a 48-port network access module for telecommunications convergence applications that promises up to four times the port density of the nearest competitor while consuming half the power.

Based on Mapletree's UniPorte architecture, the company says that MTN1048 is the only network access subsystem that provides true universal access — the only one that can dynamically configure each port to process any type of voice, data, or fax call (dial-up or packet based) on a call-by-call basis.

Unlike conventional network access architectures, in which entire subsystems must be preconfigured to perform a particular function, the company says that its UniPorte architecture enables each port to dynamically configure itself to accommodate any type of incoming call. Moreover, because the UniPorte architecture is fully programmable, the company claims that new functions may be added through software changes without affecting existing functions. This flexibility should make it easy for carrier class OEMs to develop convergence network access equipment that can provide a broad range of services, readily adapt to changing usage patterns, and be easily upgraded to support new services without requiring upgrades.

According to the company, the MTN1048 provides an out-of-the-box solution for a wide range of modem, fax, VoIP, FoIP, wireless, and VoDSL/VTOA services. Data modem support includes V.90, V.34 and lower data modulations, together with NP5 and V.42bis compression, and MNP 2-4 and ITI-T V.42 error correction. Fax support includes ITU-T V.17, V.29, V.27ter, T-30, Class 2 and Class 2.0 fax modulations.

Voice support includes ITU G.711, G.723.1, G.729A, and G.729B voice coders, G.165 and G.168 echo cancellation, voice activity detection, comfort noise generation, DTMF relay, jitter buffer management and playback, call status/progress monitoring, statistics/error collection, and system diagnostics. VoDSL support includes ITU I.366.2 and I.363.2 loop emulation and trunking for VTOA gateways.

Packetization support includes PPP and SLIP data, RTP packets for VoIP, T.38 IFP packets for FoIP, and rate-adaptation with buffering, spooling, and stalling. Wireless support includes PIAFS, a cellular protocol primarily used in Japan and South East Asia. Support for other wireless features such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) and TFO (Tandem-free operation) is in the works.

The MTN1048, at 3.0 x 3.5 inches, is a compact daughter card that connects to a carrier card through a standard PMC interface. Since all the modules in the MTN1000 series share the same interfaces, the company says that system capacity can be easily multiplied by utilizing the MTN1048 module.

"The MTN1048 sets a new industry standard for port density and universal access capability, and lays the groundwork for the next generation of convergence network access equipment," said Ali Bigdeliazari, CTO and vice president of marketing at Mapletree. "The MTN1048 gives carrier-class OEMs the foundation they need to quickly design scalable, high-density, multi-service network access products that bridge the gap between the PSTN and emerging packet networks."

"Time-to-market is emerging as a top concern for network access OEMs who are developing multi-service network access equipment for today's fast changing telecom landscape," added Brad Baldwin, an analyst at IDC. "Mapletree's UniPorte architecture and high-density MTN1048 modules make it easy for OEMs to offer convergence network access equipment that can deliver multiple services and be quickly upgraded to support new services."

Pricing and Availability
The Mapletree MTN1048 is available now. Volume pricing is available at $25.00 per port depending on functionality.

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